October is a month of awareness for several causes, and there are many awareness months celebrated in October. Some of the key awareness months and days in October include:

• National ADHD Awareness Month
• National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
• National Physical Therapy Month
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Depression Awareness Month
• LGBTQ+ History Month
• National Book Month
• National Youth Sports Week
• National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day
• World Mental Health Day

The specific focus of October Awareness Month varies depending on the organization or group promoting it. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes October as Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Misuse Prevention Month. The Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network recognizes October as Mental Illness Awareness Week. Health.gov highlights National Health Observances (NHOs) that align with their mission to improve health across the United States, and in October, they raise awareness about health literacy, breast cancer, youth sports, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Overall, October Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about important causes and encourage people to take action to support them.